Kalona library opens checkout for board games

KALONA — Library staff say patrons can now borrow board games from the institution the same way they would check out a book or a movie, with 1-week loan periods and around 40 items to choose from.

"It’s a really important thing to provide to the community because a lot of people don’t want to put the money in to buy board games,“ Circulation Librarian Samantha McGuire said. ”But if they could play them first, that kind of draws them in.“

While the library has games in stock for every generation, McGuire said she hoped the items would specifically appeal to young adults.

“Growing up, board games were a really big part of my childhood, and I’ve just noticed a lot of people don’t have that same experience,” she said. “Our young adult population is a little bit underserved at this point … I felt like this would be a good place to start to get their attention, and get their engagement.”

The library has long had games in the building, but that was the limit: they couldn’t be taken off the premises because no system existed to keep track of the materials.

Library Director Trevor Sherping said it took some time to acquire the expanded board game inventory and come up with a checkout process. The library also installed a display area to properly advertise the games.

“Before, it was behind the desk, it wasn’t really in a visible spot,” he said. “I would say the majority of people didn’t even really know we had them … now that they’re in circulation, they have a catalog record (and) it will actually pop up, so it should be more visible.”

Checking in the games, some of which have dozens or even hundreds of pieces, was the biggest hurdle to implementation, according to Sherping. Boxes for games are displayed on a shelf, but the pieces remain behind the desk in large bags, with inventory checklists for each game.

Before games are returned, families can use the check list to make sure they didn’t lose any pieces, and library staff can double check that inventory when it’s received.

“Before it’s scanned and says that it’s been returned, somebody has to go through and do a quick count,” Sherping said. “It’s still going to take some time, obviously, when it comes in, but I’d say it’ll be more like a 5-minute process, instead of a half an hour.”

While the main audience is young adults, Sherping said he hoped the games would attract families to the library as well.

“Something we hear a lot about here in Kalona is parents who don’t want kids to check out a bunch of movies or just be isolated,” he said. “I hear a lot of hoping or wishing they had something everyone could take an interest in and spend time together.”

As the library debuts the system, staff said they were open to public input.

“Feedback is definitely the number one thing that we’re looking for,” McGuire said. “We’re even open to donations for any games that are in good condition, complete condition. Any special requests for games that they would like to see, I would love to try and work on that.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com